Those We’ve Left Behind (with Shaka Senghor & Teresa Hodge)

Baratunde asks how can we citizen with tech when we disconnect millions from technology and from society as a whole by incarcerating them? He closes the season in conversation with two people who’ve served time for felony convictions and are now working in tech to expand opportunities for all: Shaka Senghor, author and head of DEI for TripActions, and Teresa Hodge, president of Mission: Launch and co-founder of R3 Score which changes how employers use background checks.

Guest: Shaka Senghor

Bio: Bestselling author and speaker; Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at TripActions 

Online: Shaka’s website, Twitter @shakasenghor, and Instagram @shakasenghor

Guest: Teresa Hodge

Bio: President of Mission: Launch, co-founder of R3 Score

Online: Mission: Launch website; R3 Score website; Teresa’s Twitter @teresayhodge 

Go to howtocitizen.com for transcripts, our email newsletter, and your citizen practice.

ACTIONS

- PERSONALLY REFLECT 

Are we that bad?

The United States has five percent of the world’s population and 25 percent of the world’s prison population. Ask yourself the question Teresa wants us all to ask: are we that bad? 

- BECOME INFORMED

Who is leading the spaces you spend time in?

Take stock of the companies whose products and services you use the most and the non-profits you may be supporting. Now go take a look at their boards and senior leadership. Do they reflect the experiences of the communities they serve? 

While you’re in a learning mode, check out Shaka’s TED Talk, Why Your Words Deeds Don’t Define You

- PUBLICLY PARTICIPATE

Citizen with those who have felony convictions

The Last Mile is an incredibly effective organization that prepares incarcerated individuals for successful reentry through business and technology training. Support their work through donation, volunteering, or better yet, hire their graduates!

Redeemed Sole, an organization Shaka founded, highlights a number of organizations helping people avoid or return from incarceration. Find an initiative there, and donate, amplify, or join in some way. 

Find out if your workplace, school, or even landlord uses traditional criminal background checks to determine someone’s suitability. If they do, encourage them to join Teresa’s Bank on 100 Million initiative, and take the pledge yourself. 

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